The Ikarus C42B is a two-seat, fixed tricycle gear microlight airplane, manufactured in Germany by Comco Ikarus.

This single-engined high-wing monoplane, with side-by-side seats for two in a wide cabin, is powered by an 80hp Rotax 912UL. The C42B is an innovative, modern two-seater microlight aircraft that sets the standards. The classic advantages of the ultralight and the standard aircraft categories are combined to produce a fascinating, technically matured machine.

The C42B has a factory fitted ballistic recovery system (BRS) as standard - basically a parachute for the whole aircraft! This is the only microlight in Malta fitted with a BRS that is being used for flight training.

This is the first time in Malta that a flex wing type microlight is being used for flight training and air experience flights.

It was purchased brand new from the manufacturer, Apollo Ultralight Aircraft in Hungary, powered by a 100 hp Rotax 912ULS driving a three-bladed propeller. It was then flown from Hungary to Malta by flying instructor Leon Xuereb.

It offers a whole new dimension to flying -- and at the end of the day you can just fold the wing and tow it home on a trailer to your garage!

Think of the difference between a flex-wing (also referred to as a "trike" or "weight-shift") and a more "traditional" aircraft like the Ikarus C42B as the difference between a car and a motorcycle!